Unnaipol Oruvan (2009) – Tamil Movie Review
Director: Chakri Toleti
Producers: Kamal Haasan, Ronnie Screwvala
Screenplay: Kamal Haasan (based on A Wednesday! by Neeraj Pandey)
Music: Shruti Haasan
Cinematography: Manoj Soni
Editing: Rameshwar S. Bhagat
Production Companies: Raaj Kamal Films International, UTV Motion Pictures
Release Date: September 18, 2009
Cast
- Kamal Haasan as The Common Man
- Mohanlal as Commissioner Raghavan Maraar
- Ganesh Venkatraman as Arif Khan
- Lakshmi as Chief Secretary
- Anuja Iyer as TV Reporter Natasha Rajkumar
- Bharath Reddy as Officer Sethuraman
- Prem as Bharath
- Nassar as Chief Minister (voice cameo)
Plot Overview
Unnaipol Oruvan is a taut socio-political thriller that revolves around the events of a single day. The story begins with an anonymous caller (Kamal Haasan) informing the Chennai Police Commissioner, Raghavan Maraar (Mohanlal), that he has planted bombs in various parts of the city. The caller demands the release of four deadly terrorists in exchange for defusing the bombs.
What ensues is a high-stakes game of wits between the unknown man and the police force, who race against time to prevent a catastrophe. As the story unfolds, the man's true intentions and identity are revealed, leaving the audience with a powerful and thought-provoking message about justice, accountability, and the common man’s frustrations with systemic failures.
Highlights
Kamal Haasan’s Captivating Performance
Kamal Haasan excels as the enigmatic common man. His controlled performance and measured dialogue delivery make the character both relatable and intimidating. He embodies the frustrations of the average citizen while maintaining an air of mystery.Mohanlal’s Commanding Presence
Mohanlal brings gravitas to the role of Commissioner Raghavan Maraar. His calm and composed demeanor contrasts perfectly with Kamal’s intensity, creating a gripping dynamic between the two characters.Supporting Cast
Ganesh Venkatraman as the young and aggressive officer Arif Khan delivers a solid performance, adding energy to the tense proceedings. Anuja Iyer’s portrayal of the journalist Natasha provides a realistic depiction of media involvement in crises.Shruti Haasan’s Music
Shruti Haasan’s minimalist background score complements the film’s intense atmosphere without overwhelming the narrative. The music enhances key moments, particularly during the suspenseful sequences.Direction by Chakri Toleti
In his debut as a director, Chakri Toleti successfully adapts the Hindi film A Wednesday! for Tamil audiences, incorporating local nuances and cultural references while retaining the original’s essence. His crisp storytelling keeps the film engaging and avoids unnecessary subplots.Tight Screenplay
With a runtime of just under two hours, the film’s pacing is impeccable. Every scene serves a purpose, and the tension builds steadily towards a satisfying climax.Relevant Themes
The film explores themes of vigilantism, justice, and the power of the common man. It raises questions about the inefficiency of the system in dealing with terrorism and corruption while offering a nuanced perspective on morality.
Technical Aspects
- Cinematography: Manoj Soni’s visuals effectively capture the urban landscape of Chennai, adding authenticity to the narrative.
- Editing: The sharp editing by Rameshwar S. Bhagat ensures a seamless flow, maintaining the suspense throughout the film.
- Dialogues: Kamal Haasan’s dialogues are impactful, blending subtle humor with sharp social commentary.
Themes and Messages
At its core, Unnaipol Oruvan is a commentary on the frustrations of the common man with societal apathy and systemic failures. It challenges viewers to question the effectiveness of traditional justice systems and ponder the fine line between justice and revenge.
Audience Reception
Unnaipol Oruvan received widespread critical acclaim for its gripping narrative, powerful performances, and socially relevant themes. Audiences appreciated Kamal Haasan’s nuanced portrayal of a vigilante and Mohanlal’s restrained yet impactful performance as the police commissioner.
The film’s climax, which reveals the true motive of Kamal Haasan’s character, struck a chord with viewers, leaving them with a lasting impression.
Box Office and Awards
- The film was a commercial success, earning praise from both critics and audiences.
- It received several accolades, including recognition for Kamal Haasan’s performance and Chakri Toleti’s direction.
Conclusion
Unnaipol Oruvan is a masterfully crafted thriller that combines edge-of-the-seat suspense with a thought-provoking narrative. Kamal Haasan and Mohanlal’s powerhouse performances elevate the film, making it a standout in Tamil cinema. Its exploration of the common man’s frustrations and the moral dilemmas surrounding justice makes it as relevant today as it was upon release.
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